Social Media Links

October 2011

10/18/2011

Foundation problems can not only result in costly repairs, but also reduce the value of your home. By the time many building owners realize they have foundation issues, the structural damage that needs to be fixed is extensive. Inspecting your property on a regular basis can extend the life of your foundation by ensuring it remains in good condition, and reduce repair expenses. Some of the early warning signs offoundation trouble include:

Crawl space moisture. Water seepage is frequently the source of foundation problems. Inspect your crawl space for puddles or other evidence of moisture.

Uneven floors. Floors that sag are often a sign of foundation settlement and other problems.

Bulging, rotating or leaning walls. A settlement problem that can lead to building collapse.

Walls separating from windows, doors and ceiling. The result of sagging floors and bulging walls. Also look for gaps between cabinets and walls.

Wall cracks. Both vertical and horizontalwall cracks are one of the most common signs of foundation problems. Check for cracks over doors and windows as well.

Problems closing doors and windows. Foundation settlement and other issues can make doors and windows difficult to open or close.

Cracks in floor vinyl or tile. Caused by uneven floors due to foundation settlement.

Leaning chimneys. Another sign of foundation settlement.

Water that seeps into the building from rain, sprinkler systems and other sources of moisture is often one of the main causes of foundation damage. When water is unable to drain properly, it will accumulate in puddles near the structure. Water can also collect on rooftops when there are insufficient or clogged drain spouts. Certain types of soil will also expand when wet and contract when dry, leaving a void for the foundation to settle into. Tree and shrub roots can also drain water from the soil, creating a similar affect. Another common cause of settlement is soil that wasn’t compacted properly under and around the building. A foundation repair expert can conduct an in-depth inspection of your property to make sure there are no existing situations that need addressing. Someone that is skilled in fixing foundations will be able to analyze the location, size and pattern of wall cracks to determine if there are any underlying problems, and look for other indicators of foundation damage. Staying alert to potential foundation issues can be vital, and help prevent future structural trouble.

Earthquake preparation is a large factor in security for homeowners. An unstable foundation can greatly increase the chance of risk if a quake hits.

According to the United States Geological Survey: “There's a 100 percent chance of an earthquake today. Though millions of persons may never experience an earthquake, they are very common occurrences on this planet. So today -- somewhere -- an earthquake will occur.” they also state “Since a major portion of the world's earthquakes each year center around the rim of the Pacific Ocean (Ring of Fire), referred to by seismologists as the circum-Pacific belt, this is the most probable location for today's earthquake.”

Due to the possibility of earthquakes hitting the L.A. area Julian Construction is recommending that homeowners get a foundation inspection to ensure their home is secure in the event of another earthquake.

Julian De La Torre, founder of the company, stated: “I was actually working with foundations before the Northridge quake hit back in 1994. I have seen what it’s like when the big one hits. And I’ve seen what it’s like when a home foundation is in need of repair versus one that has been inspected and strengthened against the danger of an earthquake. It’s the safe thing to do.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.

Julian Construction has had as its basic focus the repair and construction of home foundations. Julian De La Torre, founder of the company, began doing earthquake retrofitting in the days before the Northridge earthquake of 1994, and his goal is to ensure that L.A. area homeowners and commercial property owners are prepared in the event of future earthquake strikes. His partner, Shawn Kyles, has inspected over 15,000 structures over the course of his career.

Another objective of Julian’s is for their clients to not have to deal with a middle man, salesmen, or subcontractors. Their intention is that property owners can work directly with their company and thus can get the foundation services they need at an affordable price.

Julian stated: “It’s really great looking back at all of the people we have helped, making their homes more secure. I think the next ten years will be even better and we’ll be able to help even more people have peace of mind knowing their properties are as safe as possible.”

Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model – no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com. You can see tips and advice about home foundations on their blog, at http://julianconstruction.typepad.com.